Kamloops MLAs looking for clarity on promise made by Health Minister

KAMLOOPS — When B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix came to Kamloops last week to provide an update on the Kamloops cancer clinic, he spoke about working to provide financial assistance to British Columbians forced to travel for radiation treatment. Currently those travelling from the Kamloops area to Kelowna for care are required to cover their own travel expenses.

The problem arose with compensation being offered to ship patients south of the border to Bellingham for treatment and the need for equitable treatment for those seeking care within their home province. Since the announcement from Dix, local MLA Todd Stone has been fielding calls on the promise, calls he has no answers for.

“We are pressing Adrian Dix to get those details out there. We are hearing from lots of constituents at our offices here in Kamloops and in this region, from people who are actively engaged in radiation treatment or have loved ones who are receiving radiation treatment and have to make this frequent trip back and forth to and from Kelowna, who want to know, are they going to get reimbursement for their travel cost, are they going to get reimbursement for meals and potentially accommodation if they need that,” questioned Stone.